Just another Christmas reflection. I have at least five posts in my head, but no one wants to think about them right now. Not even me. It’s nice to take a break and just enjoy the peace. This year I would say we finally hit Christmas full swing, in a way I didn’t really want to do when we first began to acknowledge it again; parties, gift exchanges, mad-dash shopping at the last minute . I even found myself with the Classical Christmas Pandora station playing today as I lit the candles around the nativity decorations. The $8.00 artificial tree is lit up with its yard-sale decoration finds, (okay – some are dollar-store new).
I also did something I had not done in a very long time. I popped in on some people with some small symbols of our affection (truly, the thought has to count because my dollars don’t). As the big day gets closer, so many people come to my mind that I love and am so thankful for. People I don’t think to tell. At other times it might be more awkward, but this time of year gives everyone permission to be a little mushy, even those of us who are mush-challenged, like me. I think of people I won’t have time to contact, those I don’t know how to reach, and those I just plum forgot. 😦 My heart breaks for those who are alone but we’ve also enjoyed the privilege of sharing a little with those in need. We ourselves have been in need these past few months – yet miraculously, we have managed to give more than ever before.
Today I was thinking how this “Spirit of Christmas” ….. this urge to give and love….is such a beautiful reflection of the heart of God. And such a small speck in contrast to what He gave when He left the glory of heaven to born to a young woman with her reputation on the line, in a barn, to sleep in a feeding trough, wrapped in strips of cloth intended for newborn animals. To lead such a humble life, a sacrificial life, and death.
I believe it’s good for us to empty ourselves a little for others, every day of the year. But at Christmas it’s nearly irresistible. I remember that being the hardest call to leave unanswered during our years of Christmas abstinence. I still felt that urge strongly and would see little gifts I knew “so and so” would like, but then stop, remembering “we don’t do that anymore.”
It would be great if everyone could give like Christmas all year, but thankful that for a few days, it becomes a nearly universal practice. Even those who take no thought of the Christian theme of this day, still reflect the Giver who made them. I still hate the retail-driven frenzy that invades what could just be simple and beautiful. But I have learned to block that out and keep my eyes on Him who gave all for me.
May your Christmas make you a blessing.
8thDay4Life 
What a beautiful post! Very well-said.
Merry Christmas!
–Joy
Yes, totally agreed. Even though we give throughout the year and have left town to get away from the commercialism, several years before, I find that the spirit of Christmas is so strong in me that I must celebrate it. I know personally that when so many more are willing to celebrate it is hard not to do so 🙂 The spirit is strong during Christmas and the birth of our Savior is such an awesome thing I cannot resist it anymore. Christians need to be out there reminding ppl what Christmas is about and keeping Jesus Christ in the minds of all that celebrate. If we hide away then who will lift up our Lord.